The Californer - MedWand® Solutions, TruMerit, and Society for Family Health Rwanda Partner to Reshape Primary Healthcare in Rwanda

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Innovative Partnership is Saving Lives and Empowering Communities in Rwanda

Californer -- A groundbreaking partnership between MedWand® Solutions, TruMerit™ (formerly CGFNS International), and Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda is redefining primary healthcare delivery in Rwanda. Together, these organizations are piloting the nurse-led model of care at two health posts in the Bugesera district, equipping nurses with cutting-edge telemedicine tools to provide clinical-grade assessments and remote consultations in underserved communities.

At the heart of this initiative is the MedWand device, an innovative tool that combines multiple vitals sensors into one, handheld, lightweight device. Data collected can include core temperature, blood oxygen saturation, and pulse rate, as well as heart, lung, and abdominal auscultations, electrocardiogram*, and high definition otoscopic, oropharynx, and dermatoscopic exam images. Through approved third-party Bluetooth peripherals, MedWand can also seamlessly capture blood pressure, glucometer, spirometry, and weight data. Through the VirtualCare platform, nurses at community health posts can seamlessly connect with doctors for remote consultations, reducing unnecessary referrals to district hospitals and ensuring faster, more efficient care.

This initiative addresses one of Rwanda's most pressing healthcare challenges, the critical shortage of healthcare professionals. With only one healthcare worker per 1,000 people, the nurse-led model of care empowers trained nurses to take on expanded roles, bridging the gap between limited resources and patient needs. Early results from a feasibility study have already demonstrated significant improvements, including reduced time between diagnosis and treatment, lower costs for both patients and the healthcare system, empowered nurses leading healthcare delivery with confidence, and improved patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

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"By equipping nurses with MedWand's advanced diagnostic capabilities, we're enabling them to deliver high-quality care where it's needed most," said Todd Cornell, CEO of MedWand Solutions. "This partnership is vital—not only does it align with our mission, but it is setting the foundation for a scalable model that can bridge the gap in healthcare access, both in Rwanda and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for our partners in this initiative, as together, we are proving that innovative solutions can create lasting impact and strengthen healthcare systems for the future."

This initiative is a testament to SFH Rwanda's unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities. In collaboration with Rwanda's Ministry of Health, SFH is leading efforts to construct, equip, and operationalize over 1,000 health posts by 2030—an ambitious yet critical step in strengthening Rwanda's primary healthcare system and ensuring that life-saving services reach those who need them most.

"SFH Rwanda is dedicated to transformative healthcare solutions that leave no community behind," said Manasseh Gihana Wandera, Executive Director of SFH Rwanda. "By leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, we are not only expanding access to essential health services but also empowering communities with the tools to lead healthier, more resilient lives."

Four MedWand devices are currently being used at two SFH-supported third-generation health posts, with two others deployed by trained community health workers in similar catchment zones. By expanding the role of nurses in primary healthcare, this initiative reduces patient triage and referral times, minimizes hospital congestion, and enhances the overall efficiency of Rwanda's healthcare system.

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TruMerit, a global leader in healthcare workforce development, has supported this initiative as an innovative and practical solution for improving primary care in underserved areas by upgrading the technology and skills of frontline nurses.

"We are thrilled by the potential of this technology to advance the evolution of a nurse-led, virtual model of care that will revolutionize healthcare delivery and health outcomes in underserved areas throughout the world," said Dr. Peter Preziosi, President and CEO of TruMerit. "Empowering nurses in this way will save lives and make healthcare more accessible and equitable in any community."

This project builds on Rwanda's extraordinary progress in healthcare over the past two decades. Life expectancy has risen from 50 to 70 years, under-five mortality has declined to 45 deaths per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality has been reduced from 1,071 to 203 per 100,000 live births. These are significant strides that highlight the impact of sustained investment and innovation in healthcare accessibility.

By investing in scalable, technology-driven solutions, MedWand Solutions, TruMerit, and SFH Rwanda are paving the way for a stronger, more resilient healthcare system that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. Learn more about their work at MedWand Solutions, TruMerit, and Society for Family Health Rwanda.

*Electrocardiogram feature is not available in the United States.